What term is used to describe death that is a direct result of natural disease?

The term that best describes death resulting directly from natural disease is "natural." In the context of death investigations, natural deaths refer specifically to those caused by internal medical conditions such as heart disease, cancer, or any illness that occurs without external intervention or trauma.

In medicolegal practice, distinguishing between natural causes and other types of death—like accidents, homicides, or suicides—is critical for determining the appropriate manner of death. For instance, an accidental death might involve trauma or injury, while a homicide involves the intentional act of causing harm to another. Suicide refers to death resulting from intentional self-harm. Therefore, the clarity provided by tagging a death as "natural" serves to eliminate confusion regarding the circumstances surrounding the individual's death, placing emphasis on the underlying health issues rather than an external factor.